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Wildlife

Rabid Raccoon Found In CT: Officials Urge Precautions To Protect Pets, Residents Rabid Raccoon Found In CT: Officials Urge Precautions To Protect Pets, Residents
Rabid Raccoon Found In CT: Officials Urge Precautions To Protect Pets, Residents A week after a fox tested positive, a raccoon in Connecticut also tested positive for the fatal virus and experts are warning caution around unfamiliar animals and extra protection for pets.  The Ledge Light Health District announced on Monday, Dec. 9, that the stray animal had tested positive for rabies in North Stonington. Related: Rabid Coyote Attacks Three Workers in Wallingford Last Week Rabies spreads through an infected animal's saliva, usually via bites or scratches, according to the Ledge Light Health District in a Facebook post. It can also be transmitted when infecte…
Rabid Coyote Bites Worker In CT, Tries Attacking Others: Officials Rabid Coyote Bites Worker In CT, Tries Attacking Others: Officials
Rabid Coyote Bites Worker In CT, Tries Attacking Others: Officials A coyote that attacked a worker earlier this week in Connecticut has tested positive for rabies, state officials confirmed.  The animal bit a United Concrete employee as he arrived at work on Main Street in Wallingford on Tuesday, Dec. 3, around 6:30 a.m. Other workers at the facility said the animal had tried to attack others, per WTNH. The man was taken to an area hospital with minor injuries and treated for rabies after the animal tested positive for the fatal disease.  Rabies spreads through an infected animal's saliva, usually through bites or scratches, Wallingford Animal C…
'Sounds Like A Rejected Comedy Sketch': Internet Reacts To RFK Jr. Dumping Bear In Central Park 'Sounds Like A Rejected Comedy Sketch': Internet Reacts To RFK Jr. Dumping Bear In Central Park
'Sounds Like A Rejected Comedy Sketch': Internet Reacts To RFK Jr. Dumping Bear In Central Park In an election cycle filled with ridiculous news stories with more dangerously sharp twists than an unregulated carnival rollercoaster, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dropped one of the weirdest news stories of this year on Monday, Aug. 5.  The presidential candidate announced he left a dead bear cub in Central Park because he thought "it would be fun for people." It wasn't, and Kennedy has been turned into a meme overnight.  Related: RFK Jr. Says He Dumped Body Of Bear Found In Hudson Valley In Central Park It all began after Kennedy posted a video of him telling the story to Roseanne Barr to get…
Aggressive, Hungry Black Bear Returns To NY Home Shortly After Destroying Kitchen Aggressive, Hungry Black Bear Returns To NY Home Shortly After Destroying Kitchen
Aggressive, Hungry Black Bear Returns To NY Home Shortly After Destroying Kitchen An aggressive black bear apparently searching for food destroyed the kitchen of an upstate New York home and then returned to the residence shortly after the break in. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said an officer received a report of the incident in  Washington County on Friday, June 21 in the town of White Creek, located about halfway between Saratoga Springs and Albany. While the officer was at the residence reviewing photos of the bear, the animal returned to the yard and became aggressive.  DEC wildlife experts provided technical …
Dog Bitten By Snake Rescued From CT State Park Dog Bitten By Snake Rescued From CT State Park
Dog Bitten By Snake Rescued From CT State Park A dog rescued from a Connecticut state park had been bitten by a copperhead snake. The dog was rescued in New Haven County from Sleeping Giant State Park by Hamden County Animal Control employees and Hamden County Fire Department members on Wednesday, June 12. Animal control officials and the dog's owner initially thought he had twisted his leg while hiking in treacherous terrain. Hamden Animal Control The dog was carried out in the park by firefighters Mike Onofrio and J.P. Christini, Animal Control Officers Barbara Godejohn, Sarah Roberts, the dog owner, and a Good Samaritan, Brian Sc…
Giant, Flying, Multi-Colored Spiders With 4-Inch-Long Legs Head To Northeast: What To Know Giant, Flying, Multi-Colored Spiders With 4-Inch-Long Legs Head To Northeast: What To Know
Giant, Flying, Multi-Colored Spiders With 4-Inch-Long Legs Head To Northeast: What To Know Large yellow-and-gray spiders with 4-inch-long legs that can fly through the air are heading to the Northeast and could show up this summer, according to multiple reports. Sightings of the Trichonephila clavata species known as "Joro spiders" have already been reported in 10 Eastern states, CBS News says. A New Jersey pest control company in January had warned that this might happen. 4NJ Pest, based in Flanders, said the spiders act as "pest controllers" in their natural habitats, however, their introduction to not-native species could be detrimental to the balance of local ecosystems.…
Red Fox Stops By New Canaan Home: They 'Need Not Be Feared,' Officials Say Red Fox Stops By New Canaan Home: They 'Need Not Be Feared,' Officials Say
Red Fox Stops By New Canaan Home: They 'Need Not Be Feared,' Officials Say A red fox made a surprise visit to a Fairfield County home as the homeowner's cat watched while safely indoors.  The visit happened at a New Canaan home on Tuesday, Nov. 21.  The curious critter, identified as a red fox by its reddish fur, black legs and ears, and white-tipped tail, was seen venturing onto the homeowner's porch and yard.  According to the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), the animals are commonly found living near human residences, as they can find plenty of food, water, and shelter, especially in yards.  The foxes are accustomed to …
Family Of Bobcats Takes Over Backyard Of Home In New Canaan Family Of Bobcats Takes Over Backyard Of Home In New Canaan
Family Of Bobcats Takes Over Backyard Of Home In New Canaan A family of bobcats visited a Fairfield County home and made themselves at home. The incident took place in New Canaan on Wednesday, Nov. 8. The three cats, two smaller and one larger, didn't cause any trouble and just wandered around the yard checking out the trampoline and other items. The State Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) said that at times the mother cat is looking for a new home for little ones -- they are known to frequently move their litter -- or is searching for food.  One of the smaller cats.  Christine Yang DEEP said the number of bobcats in …
Moose Spotted Near CT Highway: Drivers Should Watch Out, Officials Say Moose Spotted Near CT Highway: Drivers Should Watch Out, Officials Say
Moose Spotted Near CT Highway: Drivers Should Watch Out, Officials Say State environmental officials are warning drivers to be cautious after a moose was spotted near a busy Connecticut highway exit. The warning came as the result of a sighting on Tuesday, Oct. 17, when a moose was seen in Hartford County near Exit 40 on Interstate 91 southbound in Windsor Locks, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced.  According to DEEP officials, the large animals can "pose hazard potential" to drivers, especially during the early morning and evening hours when they are most active. There are currently estimated to be just over 100 moose in the…
Large Moose Spotted In CT In Same Area Where 2 Others Were Killed Large Moose Spotted In CT In Same Area Where 2 Others Were Killed
Large Moose Spotted In CT In Same Area Where 2 Others Were Killed Officials are warning residents and motorists to use caution after another large moose was spotted in Connecticut. The moose was spotted in Hartford County in Bloomfield just three days after two were killed on I-91 by motorists just two miles away. The Bloomfield Police said the moose was spotted in the area of Ellsworth Drive on Saturday, May 20. Earlier report: Second Moose, Struck, Killed By Car In Hartland The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection also put out a warning on Twitter, asking residents to please not approach the animal and to use caution when driving especia…
Foraging Bear Sighted In New Canaan: Police Warn Of Encounters Foraging Bear Sighted In New Canaan: Police Warn Of Encounters
Foraging Bear Sighted In New Canaan: Police Warn Of Encounters After several sightings in New Canaan, police are warning residents that bears do not hibernate all winter and may come out to find food. The warning came after a bear was spotted on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 2:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 4:30 p.m. in New Canaan on North Wilton Road, according to New Canaan Police. The bear was spotted in New Canaan on North Wilton Road.Google Maps The bear was likely looking for food in bird feeders and garbage cans, according to authorities. "Bears do not hibernate all winter and will forage for food. Please know that bird feeders and accessible garb…
Fox Found Trapped In Tire Rescued In Connecticut Fox Found Trapped In Tire Rescued In Connecticut
Fox Found Trapped In Tire Rescued In Connecticut Environmental conservation officers in Connecticut rescued a fox after the animal got its head stuck in a tire over the weekend. Officers in the Northwest corner helped free the animal after it became trapped while it was likely chasing a small rodent, according to an announcement from Connecticut State Environmental Conservation Police on Sunday, July 31. Authorities did not share the location where the incident took place. "With the help from the homeowners and a little baby oil, our wardens were able to safely free Mr. Fox," officials reported. "Although I’m sure he was 'tire'd out…
Coyotes Kill Six Peacocks In Broad Daylight At Martha Stewart's NY Estate Coyotes Kill Six Peacocks In Broad Daylight At Martha Stewart's NY Estate
Coyotes Kill Six Peacocks In Broad Daylight At Martha Stewart's NY Estate Six peacocks on Martha Stewart's 153-acre New York estate were killed in a brazen, broad-daylight attack by coyotes. The 80-year-old writer/television personality said she's building an enclosed fence around her yard at the property in the hamlet of Katonah in the Town of Bedford in Northern Westchester County. "RIP beautiful Blue Boy," Stewart wrote on Instagram In a post that displayed a video of one of the victims. "The coyotes came in broad daylight and devoured him and five others.” Stewart said six "large and aggressive coyotes who have expensive tastes when it comes to poultry" car…
CDC Issues New Monkeypox Guidance Amid Increase In Cases CDC Issues New Monkeypox Guidance Amid Increase In Cases
CDC Issues New Monkeypox Guidance Amid Increase In Cases Amid the largest monkeypox outbreak ever in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new guidance. Since May 2022, monkeypox cases, which have historically been rare in the United States, have been identified in 18 states and territories among both persons returning from international travel and their close contacts domestically, the CDC said. The CDC said there have now been 72 confirmed cases of monkeypox -- a big jump from the 19 cases reported at the beginning of June. Globally, more than 1,600 cases have been reported from more than 30 countri…
Moose On The Loose: Police Issue Alert After Sighting In CT Moose On The Loose: Police Issue Alert After Sighting In CT
Moose On The Loose: Police Issue Alert After Sighting In CT Police have issued an alert about a wild moose that has made a big impression on residents in a Connecticut town. The Winchester Police Department in Litchfield County announced on Thursday, March 31, that it has received a number of complaints about the moose spotted in the area, and people approaching and crowding the animal. Police added that the department has received reports of people parking on and walking across the highway to see the moose, which could lead to crashes. The department plans to establish barriers to protect the moose and enforce the barriers if people do not respec…
Uptick In Coyote Sightings Now Being Reported In Region Uptick In Coyote Sightings Now Being Reported In Region
Uptick In Coyote Sightings Now Being Reported In Region Coyote sightings have been on the rise in the Hudson Valley, prompting some pet-owners to be on high alert as they seek to protect their furry friends. For coyotes, February marks the beginning of mating season, which lasts between four and six weeks, peaking late in the month and early in March, according to animal experts, who noted that it varies year-to-year depending on weather, prey, quantity, and other mitigating factors. Researchers said that the season begins with mating, followed by pup raising, and then dispersal, leading to the rise in sightings in recent weeks. Related story…
Police Warn Residents Two Coyotes Have Been Seen In Fairfield County Police Warn Residents Two Coyotes Have Been Seen In Fairfield County
Police Warn Residents Two Coyotes Have Been Seen In Fairfield County Police are warning residents that two coyotes have been seen in Fairfield County. Officials said early Wednesday, Sept. 8, they have been notified by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection that the two coyotes were spotted in Norwalk around Flax Hill Park. They are reminding residents of steps to take in the event they encounter the animals or to prevent coyotes from coming into their yards. Pet owners are urged to keep their dogs leashed and insight. If they are in the yard, homes should have coyote-proof fencing. Never feed coyotes, and remove bird feeders, fallen f…
Fairfield County Town Sees Increase In Bear Sightings, Police Say Fairfield County Town Sees Increase In Bear Sightings, Police Say
Fairfield County Town Sees Increase In Bear Sightings, Police Say A Fairfield County town is warning residents of multiple black bear sightings in the area. On Sunday, May 31, there were multiple black bear sightings reported in the northern section of Westport. The bear was first reported to be in the area of Weathervane Hill and then was seen by Earthplace which is located off Woodside Lane, said Westport Police Lt. David Wolf. Later that day, the bear was observed at the Westport/Weston YMCA, and in the early evening, there were additional sightings on Weston Road.  Westport Animal Control believes that it was the same b…
Moose On Loose At UConn Campus Signals Beginning Of Birthing Season Moose On Loose At UConn Campus Signals Beginning Of Birthing Season
Moose On Loose At UConn Campus Signals Beginning Of Birthing Season After a moose was spotted on the UConn campus, Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is advising motorists to be watchful of increased deer and moose activity along roadways. The moose was spotted strolling the streets in Mansfield and later on the campus in Storrs on Saturday, May 8. DEEP says the sign of the moose out and about is normal as the months of May and June mark the birthing period for deer and moose.  DEEP’s Wildlife Division urges motorists to be aware during this period of activity and also slow down and drive defensively should a large animal,…
Who Has The Most Bears? CT Map Shows 8,000-Plus Bear Sightings, Town By Town Who Has The Most Bears? CT Map Shows 8,000-Plus Bear Sightings, Town By Town
Who Has The Most Bears? CT Map Shows 8,000-Plus Bear Sightings, Town By Town If you had to guess which town has reported seeing more than 500 bears this year, which one would it be? One might assume a rural community would have the most bear sightings, but bears have increasingly been making their way into cities and busy towns searching for food. In Connecticut, the town that has seen the most bears so far this year is Simsbury with 505 sightings reported to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection through Sept. 10. The state tracks bear sightings, as well as bobcats and moose on its Wildlife Sighting Public Viewer. Bears have been breaking int…
Record Number Of 'Bear Break-Ins' Of CT Homes This Year, DEEP Reports Record Number Of 'Bear Break-Ins' Of CT Homes This Year, DEEP Reports
Record Number Of 'Bear Break-Ins' Of CT Homes This Year, Deep Reports An unprecedented number of black bears have ambled into the homes of unsuspecting Connecticut residents in 2020, some seriously injuring leashed and unleashed dogs therein, according to the state's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The total number of such incidents this year has been 42. Comparatively, the agency said that only 17 bears entering homes were reported throughout the entirety of 2019; that number of bear break-ins was seen in just July of 2020. Preceding the fall season, during which black bears increase their food intake to prepare for hibernating throu…
Photos: Fisherman Recounts Close Encounter With Black Bear In Candlewood Lake Photos: Fisherman Recounts Close Encounter With Black Bear In Candlewood Lake
Photos: Fisherman Recounts Close Encounter With Black Bear In Candlewood Lake An area fisherman who was out for a day of fun in Northern Fairfield County on Candlewood Lake with two buddies ended up catching great shots of a bear swimming in the water instead of fish. Thomas Spitzfaden, of Danbury, said he recently invited two buddies to go fishing when they maneuvered the boat to pick up what they thought was a log floating in the water. "We left my dock in Danbury and decided to head up north into New Milford," Spitzfaden said. "As we got into southern New Milford halfway toward Chimney Point and Oak Point right out in the middle of the lake I saw what I thought wa…
'Murder Hornet': Videos Show What It's Like To Be Stung By Dangerous Insect Now In US 'Murder Hornet': Videos Show What It's Like To Be Stung By Dangerous Insect Now In US
'Murder Hornet': Videos Show What It's Like To Be Stung By Dangerous Insect Now In US Videos of massive so-called “murder hornets” with venomous stingers that have migrated from Asia have been making the rounds on social media, showing the insect killing its often larger prey with impunity. New story: 'Murder Hornets': Westchester Town Begins Preparing Now For Possible Arrival The hornets have been shown killing mice, other rodents, coyotes, and large bugs. See video above - warning: graphic content.  It is unclear where the videos have been shot, though the invasive insect has reportedly made its way to the United States, in Washington State, as well as Canada. …
Black Bear Not Under Any Stay-Home Order Takes Stroll Down Main Street Black Bear Not Under Any Stay-Home Order Takes Stroll Down Main Street
Black Bear Not Under Any Stay-Home Order Takes Stroll Down Main Street Just when everyone is inside obeying the Stay Home, Stay Safe, rule, a local bear nicknamed "Dan Berry" came to visit a local main street. According to a post by Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton on Monday, April 20, the bear was spotted on Main Street and New Street Fire House. The bear was spotted and photographed by Danbury City Council President Joe Cavo. No word back from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection if the bear is tagged or will be relocated.  At least he has plenty of room to roam. 
Video: Bobcat Gets Up Close, Personal In Backyard Of Suburban NY Home Video: Bobcat Gets Up Close, Personal In Backyard Of Suburban NY Home
Video: Bobcat Gets Up Close, Personal In Backyard Of Suburban NY Home An area family got an unexpected visitor when a bobcat was caught on camera making the rounds. The bobcat was captured slinking through the backyard of the Putnam County home on Long Pond Road in Mahopac at approximately 7 p.m. on Friday, April 17, before trotting off into a neighbor’s yard. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, “Bobcats are about twice the size of a domestic cat and usually smaller than the Canada lynx.  "Their fur is dense, short, and soft and is generally shorter and more reddish in the summer and longer and more gray in the wint…
Video: Coyote Chases Deer In Front Yard Of Area Home Video: Coyote Chases Deer In Front Yard Of Area Home
Video: Coyote Chases Deer In Front Yard Of Area Home It wasn't a roadrunner, but a coyote failed to get his mark during a chase with an animal in Northern Westchester. A coyote was caught on a doorbell camera in Yorktown Heights chasing a deer before veering off and heading in a different direction in defeat.  The surveillance video was taken near the Jefferson Valley Mall off of Oakside Road. The homeowner noted that she originally thought it to be a fox chasing the deer, but ultimately determined that it was a coyote that may have been making the rounds in Westchester. You can see it play out at the very start of the video here. …
Don't Fawn Over It: Here's What To Do If You Spot A Baby Deer All Alone Don't Fawn Over It: Here's What To Do If You Spot A Baby Deer All Alone
Don't Fawn Over It: Here's What To Do If You Spot A Baby Deer All Alone There are plenty of baby deer who are out and often alone and in the open, officials are advising area residents, while adding an important caveat: If you see one, leave it be. It is natural for a baby fawn in its first weeks of life to be lying in nature, according to wildlife experts. Their mothers park them in the open to keep them safe from predators, according to CLAWS, an education and animal rehabilitation nonprofit. As long as the fawn is lying or walking quietly, it should be left for its mother to pick up later. Human contact with wildlife can have unintended consequences t…
Raccoon With Head Stuck In Peanut Butter Jar Rescued In Westport Raccoon With Head Stuck In Peanut Butter Jar Rescued In Westport
Raccoon With Head Stuck In Peanut Butter Jar Rescued In Westport It’s not just cats that firefighters save from trees. Crews from the Westport Fire Department came to the rescue of a curious raccoon that found itself in a precarious position when it got its head stuck in a peanut butter jar. Firefighters were able to free the animal from its confines and it took off into the woods following the scare. According to wildlife officials, "in addition to being able to climb, dig, and swim, raccoons have thumb-like digits on their front paws that allow them to grab, twist, pull, and tear.  "This allows them to open trash cans, dig through garbage, and g…
Videos: Watch These Separate Whale Sightings Off Long Island Coast Videos: Watch These Separate Whale Sightings Off Long Island Coast
Videos: Watch These Separate Whale Sightings Off Long Island Coast Call them Ishmael? Whales were caught on camera near the South Shore of Long Island, dining off the eels and floating about approximately a half mile off the coast in the Moriches Inlet. According to the man who shot the video that has since gone viral on social media - there were approximately a dozen whales in the area at the time. A second video captured by a different boater, found whales near a boat in the Shinnecock Inlet, approximately 30 miles off the coast. In Shinnecock, the boaters reportedly were tuna fishing around noon on Monday when they spotted the whales. They observed th…
Westport's Willowbrook Cemetary Has A Pair Of New Residents With Births Of Fawns Westport's Willowbrook Cemetary Has A Pair Of New Residents With Births Of Fawns
Westport's Willowbrook Cemetary Has A Pair Of New Residents With Births Of Fawns Willowbrook Cemetery in Westport has announced the arrival of two newborn fawns. The fawns were born to an occupying deer family around 8:35 a.m. on Wednesday, May 29 in Section 11 of the cemetery. “The twins and their mother are healthy and roaming the grounds,” said manager Danny Amoruccio. “The family has grown to 16 and reside in the underdeveloped sections within the cemetery.” Amoruccio also noted that for around 12 years, the mothers had found a "sense of security” giving birth in sections 12 and 14 of the cemetery. “It was quite the surprise to see this birth occur on the other si…
Cause Of Death Unknown For Rare, 7-Foot Black Dragon At Maritime Aquarium In Norwalk Cause Of Death Unknown For Rare, 7-Foot Black Dragon At Maritime Aquarium In Norwalk
Cause Of Death Unknown For Rare, 7-Foot Black Dragon At Maritime Aquarium In Norwalk The staff of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is mourning the death of its Asian water monitor lizard, more commonly known as its black dragon. The 7-foot lizard died overnight Monday, April 22. “We’re always saddened by the death of any animal at the Aquarium, but the black dragon was appreciated as a very special creature by staff as well as by our guests,” said Barrett Christie, the Aquarium’s director of Animal Husbandry. The cause of death is unknown. A necropsy will be performed at the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory at UConn. Although the 6-year-old lizard had …